Chocolate Angel Food Cake

Vegetarian Chocolate Angel Food Cake Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 10 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chocolate Angel Food Cake is a light and fluffy dessert that combines the classic angel food cake with the rich flavor of chocolate. This decadent treat is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet ending to a meal.

History

Angel food cake is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. It is a type of sponge cake that is made with egg whites, sugar, flour, and flavorings. The addition of chocolate to the traditional angel food cake recipe adds a delicious twist to this classic dessert.

Ingredients

1.25 cups granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp salt
12 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp grated orange peel
3.5 oz (99 g) dark chocolate-orange bars, such as Newman’s Own Organics dark chocolate-orange Bars, grated

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). On a sheet of waxed paper, sift 0.25 cup of sugar with flour and salt three times.
In a large grease-free bowl, using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add lemon juice and beat until soft peaks form. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sugar over the whites, 0.25 cup at a time, and beat at medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes. Sift 0.25 cup of the flour mixture over the whites and gently fold it in using a rubber spatula. Add vanilla and orange peel. Alternately fold in the remaining flour mixture and grated chocolate until well blended. (Be sure to fold gently to avoid deflating the egg whites.)
Scrape the batter into an ungreased 10-inch angel food or tube pan. Bake until the cake is lightly browned and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and invert it onto feet or over the neck of a bottle. Let it cool for 30 to 45 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan and the center of the tube to remove the cake.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle the cake with a chocolate glaze or ganache for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use room temperature egg whites for the best results when making angel food cake.

- Gently fold in the flour mixture and grated chocolate to avoid deflating the egg whites.

- Invert the cake pan after baking to prevent the cake from collapsing as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Angel Food Cake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a delicious and elegant dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form for a light and airy cake.

- Gently fold in the flour mixture and grated chocolate to maintain the cake's fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use orange zest instead of grated orange peel for a citrusy twist.

- Substitute the orange Bars with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Angel Food Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chocolate Angel Food Cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chocolate Angel Food Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Angel Food Cake contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Angel Food Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Angel Food Cake contains minimal fat, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Angel Food Cake contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Angel Food Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Angel Food Cake contains eggs and wheat.

Summary

Chocolate Angel Food Cake is a low-fat dessert option that is relatively low in calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

Summary

Chocolate Angel Food Cake is a delicious and light dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its fluffy texture and rich chocolate flavor, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chocolate Angel Food Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up delicious meals and desserts with ease. I would spend hours watching her work her magic, taking in every detail of her techniques and recipes.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table flipping through an old cookbook, I stumbled upon a recipe for Chocolate Angel Food Cake. I had never heard of such a thing before – a light and fluffy cake made with chocolate? It sounded like a dream come true. I immediately brought the book over to my grandmother, eager to learn more.

She smiled as she looked over the recipe, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Ah, Chocolate Angel Food Cake," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "I learned how to make this cake many years ago, from a dear friend who was a master baker. It's a family favorite, and I'm happy to pass the recipe down to you."

And so, my grandmother began to teach me the secrets of making Chocolate Angel Food Cake. She showed me how to separate the egg whites and beat them until they formed stiff peaks, adding sugar gradually to create a meringue that was light and airy. She then gently folded in the cocoa powder and flour, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

As the cake baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of chocolate, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally done, my grandmother carefully removed it from the oven and inverted it onto a bottle to cool. The cake emerged from the pan looking like a fluffy cloud, its deep chocolate color enticing me to take a bite.

When the cake was cool enough, my grandmother sliced into it, revealing a tender crumb that practically melted in my mouth. The combination of the light and airy texture with the rich chocolate flavor was nothing short of heavenly. I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made Chocolate Angel Food Cake countless times, perfecting the recipe with each batch. I have shared it with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. It has become a signature dessert of mine, a reminder of the legacy passed down to me by my grandmother.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that first time I learned to make Chocolate Angel Food Cake, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and skills that have been imparted to me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for others. And this recipe, with its delicate balance of flavors and textures, will always hold a special place in my heart.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a dessert that will impress and delight, I urge you to try your hand at making Chocolate Angel Food Cake. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass the recipe down to your own loved ones, carrying on the tradition of delicious homemade treats for generations to come.